Automated Impertinence

My printer has for some time been refusing to scan pictures (apparently it's not its job), but recently it also started chewing up my words of wisdom, so I've reluctantly replaced it. So far the new model works fine, but when filling in the inevitable online customer survey I was confronted by the following question:

How comfortable are you with new technology?

I like to be up-to-date and own the latest technology

Technology is moving so fast that I don't even bother to try and keep up

Someone needs to show me how to operate new technology before I am able to use it

Here is a writer who cannot conceive of someone who is comfortable with new technology yet does not feel compelled to buy the latest model of everything, money no object. Apparently the only imaginable reasons for not filling the house with shiny gizmos are a) laziness, or b) incompetence.

Whether this says anything very profound about consumer culture I'm not sure, but it certainly made me feel less charitable towards Epson.

Tags: real life

11 comments — :

( 11 comments — Leave a comment )

shewhomust

2013-01-31 10:48 am (UTC) (Link)

Also, liking to own the newest stuff and needing to be shown how to use it are separate options. There is this big lie that says, just plug it in and it'll work, and if it doesn't it's your fault. There is no downside to replacing the old one, even if it still works, there will be no learning curve to using the new one...

Oops, sorry. Particular bugbear of mine.

steepholm

2013-01-31 11:04 am (UTC) (Link)

Bugbears are always welcome here. Just park them between the hobbyhorses and the bêtes noires.

veronica_milvus

2013-01-31 01:43 pm (UTC) (Link)

funny!

and that bonnet full of bees...

Edited at 2013-01-31 01:43 pm (UTC)

2013-01-31 02:14 pm (UTC) (Link)

Think of my blog as a zoo for pet hates.

2013-01-31 04:12 pm (UTC) (Link)

This all feels like material for a poem.

2013-01-31 04:55 pm (UTC) (Link)

I came quite close to that once!

ashkitty

2013-01-31 11:05 am (UTC) (Link)

Oh, I hate this too. It's up there with having to defend myself every time I explain that no, really, I like my netbook and do not want a tablet. :p

gillpolack

2013-01-31 12:47 pm (UTC) (Link)

The idea that the technology may be an assistant rather than the centre of one's life? No, can't be possible.

lnhammer

2013-01-31 02:52 pm (UTC) (Link)

Reads like a push-poll to me.

---L.

2013-01-31 02:55 pm (UTC) (Link)

A strangely placed one, though, given that the only people who get to fill it in are those who've just bought a printer.

gillo

2013-01-31 08:44 pm (UTC) (Link)

This would incline me towards HP or Canon - if I were not fully aware that all these companies have much the same patronising attitudes to their customers.

I like technology that works, doesn't need rebooting every five minutes and lasts long enough for me to feel I've had my money's worth. None of these seem to be any part of the agenda of the companies that make the kit.

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steepholm

Don't Eat With Your Mouth Full

Where can we live but days?